When you see a breathtaking underwater shot in a commercial, music video, or movie, you might think it’s all glamour and magic. And let’s be honest, it is magical. There’s nothing quite like the serene beauty of working beneath the surface of the water, whether it’s for a national print ad or a dramatic stunt scene in a big-budget film. But let me tell you, being an underwater talent takes far more than just skill; it takes an in-depth understanding of the dangers, safety protocols, and the ability to be alert even when you’re having the time of your life.
I’ve had the privilege of working as an underwater talent for over two decades, and I can honestly say that I’ve never taken this job lightly. While I absolutely love the thrill and joy of working in the water, I also know that there’s a lot more to it than just swimming and looking good on camera. It’s a unique skill set that requires physical strength, mental awareness, and a commitment to safety, not just for yourself, but for everyone on set.
The Reality of Working in Water
As someone who has been around water my whole life and is a strong swimmer, I know how demanding it can be. The underwater photos and videos that look so mesmerizing are often the result of hours of preparation and effort. But behind those stunning visuals, there’s a lot going on that most people don’t see, especially when it comes to safety.
I’ve worked on many different productions as an underwater talent, and one thing I’ve noticed is that many people, even some seasoned professionals, don’t fully understand the importance of safety when it comes to working in the water. This isn’t just about the talent; it’s about the entire production team. In fact, only one of the many productions I’ve been a part of truly understood the critical safety measures required. This lack of awareness can lead to dangerous situations that could have been easily avoided.
Safety First, Always
Whether you’re performing a live show at Ripley’s Aquarium, swimming with sharks for a music video, or posing for an underwater photoshoot for a print ad, safety must be a top priority.
WATERBEAR PHOTOGRAPHY is a standout company in terms of ensuring everyone’s safety on set, which is such an important aspect of any photo shoot or production. Kimber Greenwood, the owner, really prioritizes creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted with a warm and welcoming smile by someone who will look out for you from start to finish!
Kimber Greenwood’s dedication to safety is truly exceptional and especially critical in the context of underwater modeling. Safety in any photo shoot is always paramount, but when working in such a specialized environment like underwater photography, it becomes even more critical. Underwater shoots come with a unique set of risks and challenges that most people don’t immediately consider. It’s not just about posing or looking beautiful in the shots, it’s about maintaining physical safety, mental composure, and ensuring that everyone on set knows how to react in case of an emergency!
As an underwater model, you’re often submerged in water for extended periods, sometimes in challenging conditions like fluctuating temperatures, deep dives, or confined spaces. This creates an increased risk of physical strain, disorientation, or other issues, such as breath control or even the potential for panic for some people. In these scenarios, it’s essential to have someone like Kimber who is always vigilant and fully aware of the environment. She doesn’t just focus on capturing the perfect shot, but also ensures that safety protocols are in place, such as having clear emergency plans, ensuring proper equipment, and maintaining constant communication with the model in the water.
Kimber’s attentiveness also helps alleviate any psychological stress that models may feel, particularly when submerged in unfamiliar or uncomfortable settings. Underwater modeling requires a great deal of trust between the model and the photographer. Knowing that Kimber is watching out for your well-being means you can focus on the art and creativity, rather than worrying about what might go wrong.
Her level of preparedness and foresight is truly remarkable. It’s one thing to be a photographer, but it takes someone truly extraordinary to be a leader on set, capable of reading the mood of the team and ensuring that everyone, from models to assistants – feels secure, supported, and ready to bring their best to the shoot. Underwater photography, in particular, demands that heightened level of awareness, making Kimber’s approach not just commendable but absolutely essential for a successful and safe shoot!
Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why I want to take a moment to share some of the key lessons I’ve learned over the years. If you’re part of a production company that’s planning an underwater shoot or stunt, or if you’re an actor new to working in the water, these tips can help ensure everyone stays safe, and gets the best shot possible! Kimber also does a lot of workshops where she explains the importance of safety and how you can keep your cast and crew safe. Definitely worth the investment and the bonus of meeting Kimber is a huge plus!
1. Body Temperature: Keeping Warm Is Crucial
Your underwater talent makes the production magical, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Working in the water for extended periods can quickly lower your core body temperature, even in warmer conditions. Hypothermia is a serious concern, and it doesn’t take long for the body to start feeling the effects. The best way to prevent this is by keeping the talent warm between takes as much as possible.
Hot drinks, like tea or coffee, are essential, as they help raise the body temperature and keep the talent’s energy up. Trust me, from experience, a warm drink in between shots is golden!!!!!!
Here’s a checklist of essential items to keep on hand for your underwater talent:
- Beanies or hats to cover the ears (heat escapes from here fast!)
- Towels to dry off after each session
- Robes or blankets to bundle up in
- Thick socks to keep the feet warm
- Gloves or mittens to warm up the hands
- Emergency Blankets
- This won’t keep you warm, but it will help if the talent gets motion sickness: Dramamine
Portable heaters are also a lifesaver, especially for outdoor shoots. If you’re filming in a remote location, make sure to set up a warm space like a heated tent or even a van where the underwater talent can warm up before going back in. Whether you are setting up at the beach, the springs, or a lake, a portable tent with a heater is a great idea to keep the talent warm and toasty.
2. Know the Underwater Talent’s Limitations
Not all talent is used to being in the water for extended periods. While some actors are seasoned water performers, others may be new to the challenge of holding their breath, performing stunts, or staying in the water for long stretches. It’s crucial to ensure that the talent is prepared for the physical demands of the job.
I’ve had a few tense moments where I had to speak up for a fellow performer who was showing signs of hypothermia – blue lips, uncontrollable shivering, and disorientation. Actors, especially in the heat of the moment, can push their limits for the sake of the production. They’ll keep going even when their bodies are telling them to stop. That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant.
Make sure the talent has experience with water scenes. If they don’t, have someone on hand to monitor their condition closely. Having experienced safety divers is also a must. They know the signs of distress and can intervene before things escalate. It’s worth the extra investment to ensure everyone’s well-being.
3. Scuba Certification: A Must-Have for Emergency Situations
For talent working in deeper water or participating in underwater stunts, being scuba certified is non-negotiable. In case of an emergency, it’s crucial that the talent knows how to properly use a regulator, clear their mask, and use emergency breathing equipment if they need oxygen immediately. These are essential skills that every underwater talent should have to ensure they can handle unexpected situations.
In addition, the ability to stay calm under pressure is just as important. Whether you’re in a pool or the vast ocean surrounded by wildlife, having someone who is calm, even in unpredictable situations, is crucial. It’s easy to panic when you can’t see clearly or you feel like you’re running out of air. But when you’re in the water, that panic can be deadly.
4. Calmness Underwater: The Power of Staying Collected
Being underwater can be disorienting, especially if you’re swimming without goggles or a mask, which is often the case for models and talent in some shots. The blurred vision, combined with the feeling of weightlessness, can lead to disorientation and panic if you’re not properly trained.
Even when you’re working with props or materials like costumes, some can be heavier than others, or they may get tangled or caught on something, like a rock on the ocean floor. These types of incidents can trigger panic, especially if the talent feels trapped or is running out of air. That’s why it’s vital to have talent who is not only experienced in water work but also knows how to stay composed and collected in challenging situations.
5. Communication is Key
Communication between talent, safety divers, crew, and production staff is essential. Everyone on set needs to understand the risks and be aware of what to look for in terms of danger signs.
Being clear about how long the talent will be in the water and what steps are being taken to monitor their health can make a huge difference in the success of the shoot. Remind the talent that your team will constantly be watching them to ensure their safety, but also let them know that you want them to speak up if they feel uncomfortable in any way, mentally or physically. Safety is a shared responsibility, and when it’s built into the culture of the set, it ensures everyone can perform at their best!
A Final Word on Safety
The magic of underwater work is undeniable. The stunning visuals and unforgettable moments captured in those shots are what we all strive for. But the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the production should always come first. By staying alert, taking the necessary precautions, and working together as a team, we can ensure that the magic of underwater productions remains both safe and spectacular.
After all, safety isn’t just an afterthought, it’s what makes the magic possible in the first place!
Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep making waves!
Thanks for reading about how you can keep your underwater talent safe during your next production. If you would like to learn more about working with an underwater talent like Shannon Scott.
If you would like to see more videos of Shannon Underwater, you can find them at Simply Shannon Scott Entertainment, LLC’s Youtube Channel.